Movember - Men’s Mental Health Month
Every November, Movember shines a light on men’s mental health. Men grow moustaches, raise money and start conversations that matter because men are still struggling in silence. Men’s mental health deserves our attention every single month, though November gives us a clear moment to stop and focus on the issues that so many men face alone.
Across the UK, men are far more likely to die by suicide than women. Many feel pressure to stay strong, hold it together and put on a brave face. This expectation can leave men feeling isolated when they are anxious, depressed, grieving or overwhelmed. Asking for help can feel like failure. That belief is not only untrue, it is dangerous.
Men often cope with stress by pushing feelings down or throwing themselves into work, other distractions or substances. These coping strategies may seem to work in the short term, but over time they increase the risk of burnout, addiction and relationship breakdown. Movember encourages men to speak openly about mental health and to look after their emotional wellbeing before things reach crisis point.
Counselling offers men a space to talk honestly without judgement. It helps men understand what is going on underneath the surface. Anger might be hiding sadness or fear. Irritability might be masking exhaustion. Struggles in relationships might come from feeling unappreciated or disconnected. Therapy supports men in making sense of their emotions and learning healthier ways to cope.
There are many reasons men reach out for support. I work with men who are dealing with childhood trauma, feeling stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, feeling pressure to succeed and worry that they are letting people down. Some are navigating fatherhood, divorce or financial strain - all of these experiences deserve to be taken seriously and clients often say they feel properly heard for the first time.
Taking action for better men’s mental health does not have to be dramatic. Small steps can make a real difference:
• Share how you are feeling with someone you trust
• Check in with a friend who seems quieter than usual
• Prioritise sleep, nutrition and time away from constant pressure
• Reduce alcohol if you rely on it to cope with stress see my blog on Sober October for more tips
• Consider professional support if things feel too heavy to carry alone
Asking for help is not a weakness - opening up takes courage. Men who speak about their struggles show strength by refusing to pretend they are fine when they are hurting. When men talk, they give others permission to do the same.
Movember reminds us that suicide prevention and men’s wellbeing require connection. None of us can do life entirely on our own. If you are a man finding things tough, or you care about someone who is struggling, reaching out could save a life. I work with men who are dealing with childhood trauma, feeling stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns or feeling pressure to succeed and worry that they are letting people down. Some are navigating fatherhood, divorce or financial strain - all of these experiences deserve to be taken seriously and clients often say they feel properly heard for the first time.
If you are ready to explore support, counselling can help you feel lighter, more present and more able to cope. You deserve to feel supported and understood. Movember is a powerful reminder that men’s mental health matters and every conversation counts.
